After reading today's post over at Hockey For The Ladies, I decided to write this post.
I have always been on the wrong side when visiting Joe Louis Arena; last night was no exception.
As a long time Avalanche fan I have lived through the dreaded Detroit/Colorado rivalry, so what transpired last night was certainly not shocking to me. That being said, those ignorant fans took it to a whole new level that was really very disturbing to me as a fan of the game of hockey.
We all know how Sidney is often treated by the fans when going into visiting arenas. The not so merry tune of "Crosby sucks" ringing through the entire building. Last night was no exception. This chant rose through the building almost every five minutes or so. Can anyone say overkill? Yes, I get you don't like the guy 'cause he raised the cup in your building but get the fuck over it! I wish I could say that the jeers inspired our boy to do great things and score a couple goals like it usually does, but we all know this is not the case. It was evident by our boy's play that he was frustrated, but I was a little surprised that he let it show. Now I'm a big girl and I understand that this is part of the game, and if it had of stopped at the chant, I would not be writing this post.
Sadly the fans also felt the need to call our Sid some extremely vulgar and degrading names; and I'm not talking Cindy Crybaby here. The names were so vile that they do not bear repeating. It disturbs me that grown men and women felt the need to sceam such vulgar things to a 22 year old kid; but he's a big boy, he can take it. What was the most disturbing to me was the thousands of children; very young children who had to witness such displays of vulgarity and poor sportsmanship. I was appalled that these "fans" let their hatred manifest itself in such a way that young, innocent children were caught in the crossfire. In my section alone, four people were escorted out for their language and I say "good for you" to those of you had the balls to complain to protect your children.
When the game was over and the refs (don't even get me started on the job, or lack of it that they did) were escorting the players to their benches after Sid's little scrum, people in the stands were actually throwing garbage at the players still on the Pittsburgh bench and out on the ice. There's only one word I can think of to describe this display: pathetic! IT'S A GAME PEOPLE! GET OVER YOURSELVES!
I can honestly say that I was ashamed to be a hockey fan last night because of the way these people who call themselves fans of the game were acting. You should be ashamed of yourselves!
And just to be fair, (because that's what good sportmanship is all about) I will say this: not all fans were this bad. I actually had a very nice conversation with a few Wings fans while I was waiting for my husband. They actually felt the same way I did and thought it was ridiculous some of the things that were happening last night. One even said, "I don't know why they're raggin' on Crosby; he's a great player. If they want to be pissed, they should be yelling at Talbot, he's the one that won that game!" Well said Brian!
Now that my little rant is over I would like to share this story:
This is actually how I knew Sid was not on his game last night.
They were getting ready for a face off in the corner I was sitting in and they were still waiting to come back from a commercial. All the Pens were in their place waiting for Detroit to get ready. Sid was hunched over and intently focused on what he needed to do; or so I thought. I was watching him, amazed (as always) at his focus when he actually lookd up and right at me. He was looking right in my eyes; and I was looking right in his. I was mezmerized! I wanted to look away, but I couldn't. My husband said "Is Sidney Crosby looking at you?" to which I had no reply. What could I say? "Yes the most notoriously focused guy in hockey felt like taking a break and is indeed staring at me"? OF COURSE NOT! He wasn't looking at me. He couldn't be looking at me right? After all, he doesn't do that. He 's just looking up; probably just staring into space. People do that all the time right? I do. I stare off into space, not really looking at anything in particular. Sidney Crosby is focused and intense end of story. I got my answer when I smiled at my husband's question. He smiled (that crooked little half grin) back! Sidney Crosby smiled at me!
Now I want to get one thing straight. I am not telling you all this to say "Oooo he looked at me; he smiled at me; that must mean he thinks I'm cute!" NO NO NO NO NO! As a matter of fact, I can say with much certainty that never in a million years would Sidney Crosby ever think I was cute. I'm telling you this for one reason only; to let you know he is human. Sid is always being accused of being a robot with the media and I have actually experienced a bit of him being human and wanted to share it. That being said, he is always being described as focussed and intense and after that little moment last night, I can say how true it is! The intesity in his eyes when we were looking at each other actually sent chills down my spine. Intense is not the word for that boy! He is beyond intense! I have never experienced anything like that before; it was amazing! For a brief moment it was almost like I could see what he was thinking. Bizarre; amazing; intense; weird; WOW!
Anyhoo...enough rambling! I just wanted to share these tidbits with y'all. Hope you enjoyed!
Sid, my love and admiration for you runs deep; even more so now. Keep your chin up kid!
Red Wing fans, I've already wasted too much time and energy on you and you're really not worth it. But I will leave you with these two words: Grow up!
Much love,
~B~
